Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Valentine.
Hi Lisa , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello! Well it started in 2015 as I was looking out my office window after being in the Dental field for 18 years….I had just opened my favorite magazine, the Orlando Weekly, and their was a full page ad about a new Art concept store called Artegon. This article read, “Are you an artist? Do you make handmade art?We are looking for artists in Orlando to collaborate under the same roof and sell their wares!” I thought to myself, and felt this was a sign from the Universe to try this out!
I was already making my yard art for family and friends whom all encouraged me to sell it and put smiles on strangers faces! You see, I up-cycle crystal, glass and china and recycle them by creating whimsical yard art like garden flowers, teacup bird feeders, wall flowers and bird baths. All the pieces I create with, I travel to antique shops, estate sales and thrift stores for. I also make custom yard art and inside wall art out of my customers most treasured family mementos that has been passed down from generations.
This way, a new generation can still celebrate and honor these glass pieces, but in a more unique way!
I am currently working on a commission for eight pieces for a customer made from an antique tea set which was given to her by a 97 year old couple that recently passed away from COVID-19. ❤️
I opened my first store at Artegon and sold more than 300 pieces there to people vacationing from all parts of the world. I remember the joy in knowing that one of my teacup bird feeders will be in New Zealand! I had that store for a year and a half of the two years it existed and sadly closed down. That period was one of the joyous times in my life and I loved every single customer that walked into my little shop❤️
By having my store there, I was given the opportunity to be in a movie here in Florida about locally owned all women’s businesses called Executive Empress, which is currently streaming on Amazon Prime and over several countries worldwide.
Since the shop closed, I turned my platform of selling my art by approaching locally owned specialty and boutique stores. I also have a presence on Instagram and FB , under A Little Valentine . I am revamping my website so it is currently down. I currently have my yard art in a private salon and The Lovely Boutique at 2906 Corrine Drive in Orlando. I also sell from my home studio and local art festivals.
I feel that life is a journey and the Universe led me to Artegon and opened so many doors for me in the Arts and I am still enjoying the journey and expanding my creativity with my art.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, the biggest struggle came at first to get local Orlando folks to come out to Artegon to see all the wonderful and creative artists their. It was great to see tourists but in order for such a vast and large space, 860,000 square feet to thrive, we needed locals to visit as well . The biggest challenge was our location being off International Drive. It was not alluring for a native Orlando resident to frequent that part of town, so sadly due to lack of foot traffic, we had to shut our doors for good.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in creating wildly unique and whimsical yard art and indoor wall art. I am known for creating one of a kind custom pieces from family heirlooms and adding a modern twist and color design.
What sets me apart from others is my attention to detail and listening to my customers wants for their precious mementos. Just my yard art in general sets me apart from others because of my vision for these pieces and how I bring others pieces and colors together to create something that’s unique and one of a kind in every way.
What does success mean to you?
Success means doing what you love without it feeling like a job in which your unhappy and struggling with. Success you feel in your heart and that feeling shows in your work and how you see the world everyday. It doesn’t necessarily mean your monetarily rich, but rich in family, love and overall mental attitude, which is priceless.
Pricing:
- Prices range from $30- $200 depending on what is created
Contact Info:
- Email: Angelslovelisa89@aol.com
- Instagram: A Little Valentine
- Facebook: A Little Valentine
- Twitter: AlittleValentin
